Problem while attempting to replace ignition switch

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3 November 2013
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6
Occasionally it will take a few tries to start my NSX, I heard the ignition switch is often the problem so I went to replace it, I got the old one out and realized its spliced in with a bunch of other wires. The previous owner had a Viper alarm installed, I assume thats whats going on.

I am HORRIBLE with this type of electronics stuff. Im not even going to attempt to splice wires in the the new one. I thought about trying to just clean the old ignition switch while its still connected to all these wires, but Im betting thats impossible to do. What would happen if I just installed the new switch like normal and left the old one connected to the alarm and acted like it wasnt even there?

Eventually I want to get the alarm removed, but for now, if thats not an option, what would you all do?


(Pic of what im talking about):
IMG-5125.jpg
 
Man, I feel for you- I encountered the same thing on my first NSX. It's a real shame how these car electronics shops hack up the factory harnesses. If all of the splices are before the brown connector, replacing the switch should put the car back to normal. Of course, you'll have to rip out the alarm and trace/repair all of the other splices they did to get all of the security switches and lights to work. It's doable and not that bad once you study the security system schematic in the manual, but it's a lot of work. Probably a winter project for sure. From your picture above, it looks like you may be able to twist the switch around enough to get a Q-tip on the contacts to clean them. That should be a good temporary fix for your issue. I like your idea about leaving the old switch connected to the alarm and using a new switch. But, it's not clear what will happen to the car, as they may have wired in a starter cut switch through the alarm and your car might not start. On my NSX, I downloaded a wiring chart for the old Alpine alarm that was in it- you should do the same if you can for the Viper one that you have. It might shed some light on what will happen if you disable the alarm in this way.
 
Man, I feel for you- I encountered the same thing on my first NSX. It's a real shame how these car electronics shops hack up the factory harnesses. If all of the splices are before the brown connector, replacing the switch should put the car back to normal. Of course, you'll have to rip out the alarm and trace/repair all of the other splices they did to get all of the security switches and lights to work. It's doable and not that bad once you study the security system schematic in the manual, but it's a lot of work. Probably a winter project for sure. From your picture above, it looks like you may be able to twist the switch around enough to get a Q-tip on the contacts to clean them. That should be a good temporary fix for your issue. I like your idea about leaving the old switch connected to the alarm and using a new switch. But, it's not clear what will happen to the car, as they may have wired in a starter cut switch through the alarm and your car might not start. On my NSX, I downloaded a wiring chart for the old Alpine alarm that was in it- you should do the same if you can for the Viper one that you have. It might shed some light on what will happen if you disable the alarm in this way.

Good info, thank you so much!

It wouldnt hurt anything if I just quickly connected the new switch and try it right? (If it doesn't start, just throw the old one back in how it was.) Or could I possibly damage something?
 
Good info, thank you so much!

It wouldnt hurt anything if I just quickly connected the new switch and try it right? (If it doesn't start, just throw the old one back in how it was.) Or could I possibly damage something?

No, it shouldn't hurt anything. Removing the old switch will just cut power to the Viper alarm unit. So, the worst that can happen is the car won't start because there is a cut switch inside the alarm unit (or wired to it elsewhere) that will not energize. It's also possible that the car won't start because the factory starter cut relay is working (the OEM security unit thinks all the doors and hatches are open), but that depends on how they hacked up the OEM security wires. In my car, they just disabled the entire OEM security unit, so the factory cut switch was not a problem.
 
I would take it somewhere to get that wiring cleaned up.
Seeing work like this gets me worried.
View attachment 164857

Agreed, thanks for the Input. I already cleaned the original switch and put it all back together. I wrapped that area really well with electrical tape, I will get it fixed as soon as I have time. Its due for TB/WP service so ill just do that all at once. I'm just extremely busy at the moment working 7 days a week/65-70 hour weeks. No time to drive the car anyway
 
Is the Viper system still active? If so, the strategy of disconnecting the old switch, replacing it with a new switch and just stuffing the old switch some place with all the mystery wires attached to it may or may not work. If the Viper unit is still active and gets its continuous +12v from some other source than the ignition switch, it may stay in an armed mode if it is not getting a ignition switch permissive when you insert the key. If the Viper has its own immobilizer relay you might end up with a permanently immobilized car. If the Viper is disabled or does not have its own immobilize relay, then your plan may work just fine. It may also work if the Viper gets its continuous power from the ignition switch harness in which case you will have disabled it by disconnecting the old switch. Time to experiment.

That wiring looks like a dog's breakfast - after the dog has decided to try eating a few post breakfast grasshoppers and then left breakfast on the kitchen floor!
 
I have a Viper alarm in my 2000. The wiring was very straight forward to trace when I replaced my ignition switch. Your wiring does not look like mine. If you don't want to do it yourself, you have two options. One is to buy a new switch and replace one side of the original switch. The part that screws into the key side is usually the part that has most of the buildup on it. Clean the other part of the switch with 1000 or 2000 grit paper and clean with contact cleaner. Assemble the switch carefully as the plastic tabs can be brittle. You could always call around to find an alarm company that will install the switch and reconnect the wiring for you. The switch is still available for under $50. Good luck. Jerry
 
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